Grace Wales Bonner has won the 2016 LVMH Prize. The British designer is behind the menswear brand Wales Bonner, known for its African-inspired suiting and sportswear. She is the first individual woman to win the prize and will receive 300,000 euros and a year’s worth of mentoring and support from leaders within LVMH. Vejas, designed by Vejas Kruszewski, was awarded a special prize of 150,000 euros and a dedicated support team. Both awards were decided upon by a panel of LVMH designers and executives including Delphine Arnault, Nicolas Ghesquière, Phoebe Philo, Riccardo Tisci, Humberto Leon, Carol Lim, Pierre-Yves Roussel, Jean-Paul Claverie, as well as Karl Lagerfeld.

Wales Bonner and Vejas beat out finalists Aalto, Alyx, Brandon Maxwell, Facetasm, Koché, and Y/Project to take home the prizes this year. Past winners include Thomas Tait in 2014 and Marques ‘ Almeida in 2015. Hood By Air and Jacquemus have also won special prizes. Check back later for an exclusive interview with this year’s winner, Grace Wales Bonner.